Guest: I don't recall saying that haha BUT soon lovely soon lol I'm trying to make their relationship/love something genuine so I'm sorry if it takes some time but I hope the cute fluffy moments b/w them satisfy in the meantime.
prfctlymprfct: I did actually have plans for Kevin to learn personal defense, but in my original arrangement it was going to be later in the story. However after reading your comment I rethought about the placement of this and thought it was a great time for them to bond and tackle Kevin's fear of Eddward before the school year began. (Poor baby Kev has a lot of trauma)
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HAS LEFT A REVIEW & CONTINUES TO READ AWA! I'm beyond grateful for your lovely reviews they give me life and joy every time I get a notification haha. I can't believe AWA has managed to reach over 27K views!(and surpass The Scientist). Honestly I never thought this story would get so many views, but if there is something I am grateful for this year is that you lovely peepz have given this story a chance and so much love and support. So thank you for reading and continuing to follow All We Are3 Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate and/or a lovely day/night 33
Eddward had contacted Ed beforehand making sure the coast was clear on their path back to Peach Creek. The swimmer knew for a fact that by now both Jimmy and Johnny had arrived from their stupid vacation. The problem now was just that, with Jimmy and Johnny back in town they were obviously back to their usual guarding around their section of town. Eddward needed to make sure that Kevin was not going to be spotted when they entered town and was dropped off. This of course was for the gingers safety and for Eddward to keep his spot as leader of the J's and faithful follower of Sam...
Well, if the Raven haired teen was able to keep up a good standing with Sam and the J's he could easily keep Kevin out of harm's way. Eddward had decided last night in the cabin that he would remain obedient to Sam just not partake in the J's scandals in the High School. The raven haired teen couldn't afford to turn against the big guy at the moment, he knew for a fact that Sam could easily get him expelled and ruin him in Peach Creek. He couldn't risk it, not now that Kevin had brightened his path and trusted him to live justly.
So Eddward was going to do just that…all to keep that radiant smile on his freckled face.
Their drive back to Peach Creek was silent and anxious. Both teens wondered what was up ahead in their journey now that they had established a deeper bond, a comfortable friendship. Kevin was anxious about the J's, a new school year, and his parents. The nervous ginger turned to look at the other who wore a serious expression with his head covered by the black striped beanie once more. Eddward's eyes scanned around looking for familiar faces and cars along the way as he entered their quiet town. They had decided to exit the highway some time before they crossed inside the town to enter through the backstreets of the west side where they knew they could safely enter.
Throughout their travel through the streets of Peach Creek they only encountered one goon who hadn't seemed suspicious, or perhaps didn't recognize Eddward's car. Ed had informed them that Johnny and a couple of his gang were off doing something else in the south side of town, thankfully giving them the opportunity to enter the east side without being seen.
Once they arrived to Kevin's home Eddward turn off the car and sat there quietly waiting for the other to move. He wouldn't face the freckled teen didn't know what to say after everything that had been said back at the cabin so he glued his eye sight to the steering wheel. Eddward heard shifting on Kevin's side as the smaller teen had appeared to take off his seatbelt. The touch of a small hand lightly fell on top of his hand catching his eye sight to move downward towards the hand. His gaze traced the freckled hand all the way up to meet the others unfocused eyes. "Are you alright?" He asked the smaller teen.
Kevin blinked from his trance "I think so" he shrugged trying to give a smile but came out unsure of his own words.
Eddward returned a comforting smile taking ahold of the hand and began to rub soothing circles with his thumb. "You'll be alright. Just remember to breathe…pumpkin" his smirk grew hearing the chuckle the other let out at the mention of the nickname.
Instantaneously the ginger teen turned red at the mention of the cute little new nickname Eddward had decided fit for him. It seemed to be something the taller teen had figured out could promptly put a smile on Kevin's face. "Thanks" he leaned back in his seat turning his head to look out the window towards the front door. His hold on the swimmer's hand tightened as he thought about how alone Eddward must have been facing everything alone. Kevin was grateful for him. He was grateful that Eddward understood and had been there to make it all better. Grateful because even after everything this was the most selfless the raven haired teen he had ever seen him to be. If Kevin was being honest, he didn't want to step out of the car. He didn't want to leave the taller teen's side, nor did he want to let go of the other's hand. It was far too comforting, but he knew he had to for Eddward's car couldn't be seen in front of his home. Kevin turned to face the other who had been looking at him. He felt his pale cheeks and ears flush once more noticing this. "Um…" he cleared his throat "I guess I'll be seeing you another day?"
Eddward simply nodded in reply making Kevin smile once again. With one last squeeze to their hands they finally let go. Kevin grabbed his belongings and headed over to his front door before turning around to see the other still lingering as if making sure he entered safely.
The ginger teen smiled again and waved goodbye as he took a deep breath as he had been instructed and entered his home. As he closed the door behind him he let his belongings drop on the floor. His eyes roamed the living room observing the little details of his home that made him happy. The way there was a blanket messily laid on the couch and uneaten popcorn in between the cushions and floor. The small teen made his way into the kitchen and saw an unfinished mug of coffee as long as messily stacked papers on the corner of the kitchen counter accompanied by a handful of dirty dishes left in the sink. Kevin's attention however was quickly directed to a red box in the middle of the table. On top was a note with his father's barely readable handwriting.
I'm happy to have you back home Kiddo. Promise I'll cook you something delicious when I get home, in the meantime heat up whatever leftovers you like.
Your mother came to drop this gift for you. She wishes you a Happy Birthday. Make sure to give her a call when you can. As for my gift you'll have to wait until I get back from work.
Kevin smiled down at the letter wishing his father would hurry up returning home. Not because he wanted the gift, but because he wanted to hug his old man. He wanted to sit down on the couch and watch cringy movies and eat kettle corn. He breathed in happily as he picked up the red box and shook it lightly noticing it wasn't something too heavy. The small teen headed over to the living room and sat down with his legs folded underneath him and placed the box on his lap inspecting it. He still had mixed feelings about the whole mother being alive situation but he supposed her a chance. After all, she seemed sincere during their talk in the hospital.
…
Eddward turned on the light in the garage as he had closed the door. He looked around the wide area, placing a hand on the edgy of his beanie. The bean bag still quietly hanged from the ceiling, the many boxes filled the corners of the garage. Everything was in its place, the nails sealed inside jars and every tool hanged in order. There was always a sense of dread and disgust whenever he returned home but this time it was different. This time loneliness seemed to be the only emotion to stand out as his realization that Kevin was no longer with him hit. Gently he pulled off the hat feeling the cool air of the garage touch his head. He let out a long sigh trying to ignore the silence of his home.
…not again…
With lazily movements the raven haired teen unloaded the car and began to place everything where it belonged. He had looked around for any possible changes around the house and scanned missed calls, and then headed upstairs to shower to prepare before getting back into action.
He grabbed his phone from the coffee table and took a seat on the couch crossing his leg. He wished this entire Sam thing could blow over quicker. He wanted the next two years to come quickly so it could all finally end, well at least for him and Kevin but surely the authoritarianism would continue in future generations of bullies. With a frown he dialed the number and waited knowingly surely he would be getting a headache soon.
The phone rang a couple of seconds before he heard a small chuckle "Eddward" a husky voice spoke through amused.
"Sam, I'm calling to inform you I've returned from my trip" he looked on over to the window seeing the sun brightly shine through, and the streets ever so quiet.
"Welcome back. I'll be letting your substitute know this will be her last day then" the voice continued to speak as if amused making Eddward unsettled.
"Is there something I need to be aware of?" The raven haired asked firmly trying to figure out what had the other so happy.
"Yes actually, Jimmy and I will be hosting a gathering before school starts. I'm sure you remember the one where we welcome newbies and what not" he chuckled
Ah, yes the insignificant meeting where they host initiation for the new coming members swearing them in secrecy. Eddward rolled his eyes remembering the atrocious experience of his initiation "Right, when will it be?"
"In two weeks, I'll have Jimmy send the information next week to everyone"
"Alright"
"One more thing Eddward"
"…" Eddward went silent knowing exactly was going to be said.
"The next stunt you pull I won't be so forgiving"
"Understood" Once he hung up he let his head fall on his head. He knew he would get a headache after the call, so he soothingly scratched at his scalp as he let a long breath out. Eddward let himself close his eyes for a moment calming down his ache and only thought about the heartwarming memories he had shared with the ginger teen. They made him smile.
He grabbed his phone and sent a text to Ed to meet him soon. They had a lot to discuss about this coming school year, and Eddward knew he wasn't going to be able to handle everything alone. Jimmy was a huge threat in Peach Creek, and if he didn't keep him controlled everything was surely going to blow over chaotically.
Even though Eddward wasn't too fond of asking Ed for help he knew he needed it this time around.
…
The startled ginger teen fell off the couch as he heard a loud noise from the front door. As he made contact with the floor he realized he had fallen asleep on the couch as he had been looking at the present. "Kevin!" he heard his dad's hoarse voice ring through the house. Excitedly he got up and ran to the front door "How many times have I told you not to leave your stuff in the entrance!" the man tiredly stood up grunting as he did so.
"Dad!" Kevin beamed rushing to hug his father tightly "Sorry I fell asleep and forgot to put the bags away" he chuckled.
Kevin's father grin grew quickly wrapping his arms around his son and lifting him up "HEY! I've missed ya kid"
"I've missed you too" Kevin smiled into his father's warm chest. He could feel the man's vibrations from his laughing which only made him giggle further.
"Ah you've bulked up a bit!?" His father put him down grabbing his shoulders and giving them a squeeze. "What you've been up to?"
Kevin smirked "Hardly" he chuckled "Eddward's been teaching me some things" the ginger shrugged as he grabbed his father's arm and dragged him into the living room "Come sit down I'll tell you all about it. We saw a mountain lion!"
"Alright, Alright" Kevin's father radiated with a wide smile.
Kevin excitedly began to tell his father everything on their trip. Well, not everything there were some things that his father didn't have to know, and Kevin would rather keep those moments in private. He told him about the hikes and what he'd learn from Eddward. Kevin showed him some pictures (again not all of them).
Mr. Barr seemed to be very joyful hearing his son talk happily and excitedly about the trip. He was beginning to notice that Kevin seemed more comfortable being in the house, and his skin and weight were back to a healthy state. The man was beyond relieved the getaway had worked in his son's favor, he had begun to feel unsteady himself watching his son lose color and sleep after the incident. His eyes roamed through the opened box that lay on the floor. "What'd you get?" he asked slouching on the couch comfortably.
Kevin looked at him with a questioning look before noticing the box on the floor "Oh" his freckled hand reached under the blanket. "This" he smiled looking down at a scrapbook full of baby pictures, and picture's he hadn't seen before of his father and mother and other of their friends. Under each was a small caption in his mother's bubbly handwriting.
Kevin's father leaned back in his spot "Haven't seen these pictures in forever…" he hummed looking over to see closer seeing a picture of the day Kevin was born. A twenty year old Tom stood on the verge of tears with a huge goofy grin holding baby Kevin as Kevin's mother sat on the hospital bed with an endearing soft smile looking up at Tom. "That was the happiest day of my life, you know" he chuckled nudging his son's shoulder lightly.
Kevin laughed feeling embarrassed "There isn't some big story behind that day?" he asked leaning back as well.
"Actually there is, but how about we talk about it while I make dinner? I'm starving" Kevin's father ran his big hand over Kevin's orange head.
"I'll help!" the small freckled teen smiled standing up and following his father to the kitchen. Kevin placed the scrapbook on the kitchen counter before they went to the sink to wash their hands and Kevin it was then he saw how big his father's hands were from years of being mistreated and overworked. The wrinkles of age showing more clearly than before "I called her…" he mumbled quietly "m-mom I mean" he rubbed an arm gently.
His father raised an eyebrow at him "and?" he smiled
Kevin chuckled "And she's coming over next weekend" he shrugged walking over to get a pan out.
"That's really good to hear kiddo" Kevin's father rubbed the orange hair on his son's head affectionately.
"Yeah" Kevin mumbled happily.
His father had decided to cook steak and placed Kevin to work on the vegetables. Throughout the entire process Mr. Barr continued to flip through the pictures and told Kevin the stories behind them. There were pictures of Nazz's parents in there as well and the freckled teen loved hearing the shenanigans his parents and their friends had done. This conversation continued all the way through their dinner and it made Kevin beyond happy to finally talk so normally with his father once again.
Kevin's father cleared his throat catching Kevin's attention who was now washing dishes. He gave his son an apologetic look "I'm sorry for lying about your mother…I didn't want you to feel…unwanted or anything like that. Just know you've always been my pride and joy Kid"
The little ginger teen couldn't help but feel a bit emotional at this. Kevin couldn't be more grateful that he had this man to call father. His father had done everything in his power to raise him good and in a comfortable life. Kevin knew the Barr man was awkward with showing his affection but after what happened neither dared missed the opportunity to show it. So when his father stood up and reached out Kevin welcomed the hug and dug himself into his father's embrace.
"Wanna see your present?" Mr. Barr finally spoke out
Kevin looked up cheerfully "Hell yeah!"
…
Eddward had asked Ed to meet at a quiet coffee shop on the west side of town he knew was a safe spot to meet. The space was small and lights dimmed slightly to make the atmosphere calm, they had sat in a corner of the shop where they were far from the public's ear. Well not that there were that many people besides the workers. Eddward sat on one side of the table arms crossed with a very irritated scowl, and Ed happily sipped at an ice coffee.
"So did you call Sam already?" Ed leaned on the table as he swirled the ice cubes with a straw. Eddward simply growled as a response. His mind was elsewhere thinking about the following year and what was to come. Ed would catch the raven haired teen mumbling certain words under his breath, at times he would let out a tsk sound from annoyance. After a couple of minutes of this Ed got bored of watching the other's thought process and decided to make it fun. "How was Kevin's birthday? Did you get creative with the pancakes Double D?" he smirked winking.
The question took Eddward by surprise and was instantly thrown away from his thought process "What?" he dumbly asked trying to maintain his frown. Even under the dim lighting Ed could see the other flush at the question and it only made him laugh.
"I asked if Kevin enjoyed his birthday with you" the brunette leaned his cheek on his hand with a wicked grin as he watched the other flush a deeper shade of red.
"I didn't call you out here to talk about t-that" Eddward huffed out scratching at the back of neck.
The stutter only made Ed's stomach bubble more with laughter catching the attention of some of the workers "Alright then, tell me what's going on through that smart brain of yours Double D" He asked after calming down from the joy.
With an irritated sigh "I called you so I can ask you…to help me" The raven haired teen paused glaring at anyone who dared to make eye contact with him "Help me this coming year with keeping everything under control"
Ed leaned back "For Kevin's sake I'm assuming right?" the brunette saw the other nod in response "You know he isn't the only one getting bullied right? There's Nazz, and a whole bunch of kids in Peach Creek and Lemon Brook."
The athlete rolled his eyes "I don't care about them…"
The taller teen leaned forward placing his elbows on the table "Well you should, Kevin would want you to care about them. He won't be too happy to find out you aren't doing anything to help them too"
Eddward muttered some words clearly frustrated placing a hand on to his chin in thought "There's only so much I can do Ed, you are very well aware of that"
"All great revolutions start somewhere" Ed stared at the other intensely
"This isn't a revolution. I'm merely taking the easiest and safest path without creating chaos" Eddward looked up at his companion "We can't go up against Sam. We are obviously outnumbered in power"
The brunette frowned wondering why Eddward wouldn't fight this, why he wouldn't go against Sam. "He…" He began slowly "He has you blackmailed doesn't he?" he asked this thoughts searching through possible secrets Ed knew that might just do it. "Is it…Just because your-"
"STOP" Eddward slammed his fist on the table afraid of the other's next words. "Don't say it…Don't ever dare say it" he threatened.
Ed sighed looking apologetic "Don't deny it D, accept it or else Sam will continue his reign over you"
"I can't...I won't" the Raven haired teen huffed out angrily feeling a sense of disgust rush over his stomach.
"It's not something to be ashamed or disgusted Double D" Ed tried to reach out to his old friend.
With a shake of his head Eddward turned away looking out into the distance "May I remind you it was the very reason you and Eddy left" he shot him a glare.
It was the truth and the tall brunette had no words to say to his companion "I…I'm sorry…" he frowned "I know…I know I made the mistake of following Eddy back then. I should have been there for you…Eddy was always just…" he paused not knowing what to say.
"Eddy was just Eddy…I know" Eddward looked down at his intertwined hands on the table "He always had a way to make us follow blindly no matter how reckless his plans were"
"I'm sorry Double D, I really am and I'll keep apologizing for the rest of life but please know you can trust in me now" Ed formed his hands into fists trying to get the other to know how sincere he was.
With a deep breath in Eddward calmed down though not without sending yet another glare to those who stared before returning to the conversation "…May I ask how you managed to escape?"
The brunette eyes moved to the side "I just stopped participating...then I started helping targets. Sam had Eddy turn against me but Eddy couldn't do it, so Sam had the entire football team personally beat us both. After that it was torture every day until I transferred to Peach Creek."
"..." Eddward sat in silence listening to the others words. It was obvious to him that his old friend hadn't gone through anything easy. If Eddward knew Sam as well as he thought, then the teen was certainly ruthless if disobeyed much more if betrayed.
"Maybe Sam was harder on me, but I can relate to Kevin and every other target at least this much. It's not easy for them, and Kevin is beyond strong for managing to take everything you and the J's have done and still have the heart to reach out to you…" Ed smiled up at the other "…He's really been nothing but good to you Double D and I think you should repay him the kindness"
Eddward looked down at his hands once again suddenly remembering the night before when Kevin erupted with anger and the emotional speech about how perfect he was even though Eddward knew that was far from truth. The way Kevin had compassionately held his trembling hands.
"I won't ever abandon you so long as you don't abandon me ok?"
The kindness that the little freckled teen had shown him was something Eddward knew would take a life time to repay. Though just as Ed had said Eddward owed the smaller teen that much "Then…please… help me with this"
…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Sorry it's shorter haven't really had free time to sit down and write much but I promise next chapter will be longer :3 Wah~ can't wait until chap. 40 hehehe
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